In the space of an extraordinary fortnight in May 2003, Jermaine Lawson ran
the full gamut of emotions as an international cricketer. A tall and rangy
fast bowler capable of searing pace and high accuracy, Lawson had burst into
Test cricket during the previous winter, when, in only his third match, he
picked up six wickets for three runs against the hapless Bangladeshis at
Dhaka. If that was good, even better was to follow against the
all-conquering Australians. After recovering from a bout of chickenpox,
Lawson picked up a hat-trick in the dying stages of the third Test, before
demolishing Australia's first innings in Antigua with a career-best 7 for
78, figures that set West Indies on their way to an historic victory. By
now, however, his disturbingly ragged bowling action had come under scrutiny
from the umpires and the match referee, and he was reported to the ICC for
investigation. He was subsequently cleared after undergoing remedial action. Lawson's return to Test cricket was a little bumpy, however, with match figures of 2 for 126 against Bangladesh in June 2004. He got through the unsuccessful England tour of 2004 without any adverse comment, but picked up a spinal stress fracture that sidelined him for the Champions Trophy at the end of that season. Though he returned with initial success the following year, his action was back under the spotlight come West Indies' tour of Sri Lanka, although again he was given a clean bill of health by the ICC.
Andrew Miller September 2005

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